Weather

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Weather is an essential aspect that has been existing throughout most of the GTA games; Grand Theft Auto III being the first to have multiple weather changes viewed in a 3-Dimensional form. It plays a crucial role by complementing to the vibes and atmosphere of the game such as a pink setting sky to suit the Vice City's 80's vibe and a dull, plain sky to suit the Liberty City atmosphere. The weather in the game is controlled by a time cycle which causes a certain weather type to occur at a particular time. Anonymous types of weather occur at rarer times than others. In places such as San Andreas, A certain type of weather only occurs in a particular climate or area such as Sandstorms in the desert of Bone County, Las Venturas. Thus, some time cylcles of weather are included exclusively for a Grand Theft Auto game depending on the area's real-life climate.

Types Of Weather

Rain

Rain occurs in most GTA games from every 3-5 days though sometimes it can vary depending on what climate you are in. For example, in Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas, rain may occur in Los Santos, San Fierro, and in the countryside, but never in Las Venturas and the desert.Grand Theft Auto IV first introduced realistic rain drops forming on the player's screen as if they were actually there and they are the protagonist. The III era first introduced car's headlights reflecting the rain on the road which instantly resulted in senses of realism, making the game more 'alive'. The rainfall can vary depending on how clear the skies are. Heavy rainfall results in occasional thunder and lightning, causing the console version's controller vibrate rapidly, again as a sense of realism.

Sunny/clear

Sunny weather occurs quite often in most cities, ranging from 2-4 days in the III era; especially if you are flying in a helicopter or plane above the clouds to see you could view it pretty much nearly everyday. The III era first introduced players to visualise heatwave when the sun reaches blazing heats however does not affect the player's health in any way. It brings a cheerful atmosphere and reputation to areas such as San Andreas and Vice City. The sun causes short shadows to appear behind objects such as lampposts and buildings.

File:Civitwilight.jpg
A sunny morning in San Fierro.

Fog/Mist

Fog and mist occur mostly in San Andreas; areas such as The Panopticon and other wooded areas. The weather brings an eerie atmosphere to the game though this type of weather does not occur in Liberty City very often. The Fog and Mist can become realisticly thick that you cannot see things only just a few meters away from you.

Cloudy

Cloudy weather is probably the most common occuring type of weather in GTA out of the lot as well as clear sky. Cloudy weather has been featured in every single GTA game out of the current franchise and does not bring a particular vibe or atmosphere to the game. It is described as a 'default' weather due to how common it occurs. It can be seen pretty much everyday at some point, except in some places such as the desert, where overcast conditions may never take place. Cloudy weather does not have much of a visual difference, as the sky is still brightly lit (during the day, of course) unlike foggy or rainy conditions, and visibility is still high.

File:Astrotwilight.jpg
A cloudy night in Los Santos.

Sandstorm

A sandstorm is an intriguing format of weather produced exclusively for Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas. It occurs regularly only in the Desert, Las Venturas as it suits the climate. It clearly mimics aspects of the Nevada desert in Las Vegas.

Sunset/sunrise

Watching the sunset or sunrise in GTA makes this undoubtably one of the most beautiful types of weather in the game. The colour of the sun when it sets or rises depends on the city. In places such as San Andreas and Liberty City, the sun varies from orange, yellow and red whilst Vice City's sky is usually pink or purple to suit the 80's Maimi atmosphere. The colours of the sky play a vital role in bringing up the atmosphere of a city. The shadows off objects and pedestrians become longer however the process of the sun setting only lasts around 2 to 3 hours (Game Time).

File:Nautwilight.jpg
Sunset in Las Venturas

Trivia

  • In GTA San Andreas, broadcasters from some Radio Stations correctly announce the weather forcast in the local area.